MADAM,

We cannot thank Monmouth people enough for making the 2015 carnival a triumph despite such unhelpful weather.

The festive colours and costumes contrasted dramatically with the glowering black clouds, reflecting doubly in the puddles. The samba music bounced off the wet streets twice as loud!

To be more serious...we have some sincere thanks to record.

First we’d like to thank the Priory for their spontaneous welcome. The samba band were properly looked after there. The Modget family gave them a wonderful, warming spread after their brilliant display.

St Mary’s churchyard was the perfect, safe place for all the families to gather and prepare for the procession. Thank you Reverend David McGladdery.

The floats and vehicles were also able to line up and make last minute adjustments in the safety of Monmouth Comprehensive School’s coach parking loop. Thank you very much Andrew at Monmouth Leisure Centre.

It was extremely brave of David Davies MP to agree to judge the entries. We appreciate how difficult the task is. Being chauffeured down Monnow Street by Rudolph Griffiths in his magnificent Rolls Royce was some comfort we hope.

All the perpetual trophies have been given over many years by the ever generous John Blake. Congratulations to the winners.

The Carnival Committee was pleased that Lisa Bailey graciously accepted their nomination for the Spirit of Monmouth. She does so much for Monmouth, raising funds for Bridges with her London Marathon in particular. Thank you to Emma Webster for the stunning golden yellow bouquet. Lisa loved it.

We must not forget all the Monmouth Rotarians who kindly provided stewarding and cheerful bucketing, alongside the excited participants.

It takes a lot of helpful people and expense to ensure the road closure is safe for the procession, the dancers and the crowds. If your car journey was diverted or you are a local resident, we’d like to thank you for your patience. The closure involved much work by the festival members, town councillors and advice from the police and MCC Highways. Thank you, of course, to Monmouth’s wonderful fire service for proudly leading the parade and our excellent St John’s Ambulance who protected our rear.

We understand the disappointment of not winning a prize after the obvious enormous amount of skill, time and anticipation, let alone the goose pimples and dripping fake tans! There’s been some really brilliant feed back and the photos in the press have done you proud. The carnival highlights can be watched on the Monmouth Carnival website: www.monmouthcarnival.uk

More local companies have been inspired by you and are making plans to take up the Big Float Challenge next year.

Thank you all.

The Carnival Committee

(Monmouth)